The transition from Windows 7 to Windows 8 introduced a number of new features across various aspects of the operating system. Among these included a greater focus on optimizing the operating system for touchscreen-based devices (such as tablets) and cloud computing.

Snap feature: Xbox Music app, along Photos app snapped into a sidebar to the right side of the screen.

Windows 8 introduces the new Windows Runtime (WinRT) platform, which can be used to create a new type of application officially known as Windows Store apps and commonly called Metro-style apps. Such apps run within a secure sandbox and share data with other apps through common APIs. WinRT, being a COM-based API, allows for the use of various programming languages to code apps, including C++, C++/CX, C#, Visual Basic .NET, or HTML5 and JavaScript.[1][2] Metro-style apps are packaged and distributed via APPX, a new file format for package management.[3] Unlike desktop applications, Metro-style apps can be sideloaded, subject to licensing conditions.[4]Windows 8.1 Update allows for sideloading apps on all Windows 8.1 Pro devices joined to an Active Directory domain.[5]

In Windows 8 up to two apps may snap to the side of a widescreen display to allow multi-tasking, forming a sidebar that separates the apps. In Windows 8.1, apps can continually be resized to the desired width.[6] Snapped apps may occupy half of the screen.[7] Large screens allow up to four apps to be snapped.[7] Upon launching an app, Windows allows the user to pick which snapped view the app should open into.[8]

The term "Metro-style apps" referred to "Metro", a design language prominently used by Windows 8 and other recent Microsoft products. Reports surfaced that Microsoft employees were told to stop using the term due to potential trademark issues with an unspecified partner. A Microsoft spokesperson however, denied these reports and stated that "Metro-style" was merely a codename for the new application platform.[9]

Windows 8 introduces APIs to support near field communication (NFC) on Windows 8 devices, allowing functionality like launching URLs/applications and sharing of information between devices via NFC.[10]

Windows Store is a digital distribution platform built into Windows 8, which in a manner similar to Apple's App Store and Google Play, allows for the distribution and purchase of apps designed for Windows 8. Developers will still be able to advertise desktop software through Windows Store as well. To ensure that they are secure and of a high quality, Windows Store will be the only means of distributing WinRT-based apps for consumer-oriented versions of Windows 8.[11]

In Windows 8.1, Windows Store features a redesigned interface with improved app discovery and recommendations and offers automatic updates for apps.[12]

Metro-style apps can either run in a full-screen environment, or be snapped to the side of a screen alongside another app or the desktop; snapping requires a screen resolution of 1366×768 or higher.[14] Windows 8.1 lowers the snapping requirement to a screen resolution of 1024x768.[15] Users can switch between apps and the desktop by clicking on the top left corner or by swiping the left side of the touchscreen to invoke a sidebar that displays all currently opened Metro-style apps. Right-clicking on the upper left corner provides a context menu with options to switch between open apps. The traditional desktop is accessible from a tile on the Start screen or by launching a desktop app. The Alt+Tab ↹ shortcut cycles through all programs, regardless of type.

A screenshot of the tutorial that appears during the installation of Windows 8 and when new users sign-in for the first time.

The interface also incorporates a taskbar on the right side of the screen known as "the charms" (lowercase), which can be accessed from any app or the desktop by sliding from the right edge of a touchscreen or compatible trackpad, by moving the mouse cursor to one of the right corners of the screen, or by pressing ⊞ Win+C. The charms include Search, Share, Start, Devices and Settings charms. The Start charm invokes or dismisses the Start screen. Other charms invoke context-sensitive sidebars that can be used to access app and system functionality. Because of the aformentioned changes involving the use of hot corners, user interface navigation in Windows 8 is fundamentally different when compared with previous versions of Windows. To assist new users of the operating system, Microsoft incorporated a tutorial that appears during the installation of Windows 8, and also during the first sign-in of a new user account, which visually instructs users to move their mouse cursor into any corner of the screen (or swipe the corners on devices with touchscreens) to interact with the operating system.[16] The tutorial can be disabled so that it does not appear for new user accounts.[17] Windows 8.1 introduces navigation hints with instructions that are displayed during the first use of the operating system, and also includes a help and support app.[18]

In Windows 8.1, the aforementioned hotspots in the upper right and the upper left corners can be disabled.[19]

Pressing ⊞ Win+X or right-clicking on the bottom left corner of the screen opens the Quick Link menu.[20] This menu contains shortcuts to frequently used areas such as Control Panel, File Explorer, Programs and Features, Run, Search, Power Options and Task Manager.[21] In Windows 8.1, the Quick Link menu includes options to shut down or restart a device.[22]

Windows 8.1 Update introduced changes that facilitate mouse-oriented means of switching between and closing Metro-style apps, patterned upon the mechanics used by desktop programs in the Windows user interlace. In lieu of the recent apps sidebar, computer icons for opened apps can be displayed on the taskbar; as with desktop programs, shortcuts to apps can also be pinned to the taskbar. When a mouse is connected, an auto-hiding titlebar with minimize and close buttons is displayed within apps when the mouse is moved toward the top of the screen.[23][23]

Windows 8 also includes a Metro-style system component called PC Settings which exposes a small portion of Control Panel settings. Windows 8.1 improves this component to include more options that were previously exclusive to Control Panel.[6][26] Windows 8.1 Update adds additional options to PC Settings.[23]

The new Start screen in Windows 8 replaces the Start menu interface seen in previous versions of Windows.

Windows 8 introduces a new form of start menu called Start screen, which resembles the home screen of Windows Phone, and is shown in place of the desktop on startup. The Start screen serves as the primary method of launching applications and consists of a grid of app tiles which can be arranged into columnar groups. App tiles can either be small (taking up 1 square) or large (taking up 2 squares) in size and can also display dynamic content provided by their corresponding apps, such as notifications and slide shows. Users can arrange individual app tiles or entire groups. An additional section of the Start screen called "All Apps" can be accessed via a right click from the mouse or an upward swipe and will display all installed apps categorized by their names. A semantic zoom feature is available for both the Start screen and "All Apps" view which enables users to target a specific area or group on the screen.[27] The Start screen can uninstall apps directly.[28]

Windows 8.1 improves the Start screen by making the following changes:

The "All Apps" section, now accessed with a hidden downward arrow or upward touch gesture, features a visible search bar which can display results for apps or other items.[29] The section is dismissed by a similar button with an upward arrow.[30] An option to display the "All Apps" section automatically instead of the Start screen is available.[29]

Start screen tiles can be locked in place to prevent accidental manipulation of tiles.[31]

The uninstall command allows Windows Store apps to be uninstalled from multiple computers.[32]

More size options for live tiles on Start screen: small, medium, wide, and large.[7] The "small" size is one quarter of the default size in Windows 8.[6][26]

Expanded color options on the Start screen, which now allows users to customize a color and a shade of one's own choice instead of choosing from limited colors.[7]

New background options for the Start screen, including animated backgrounds and the ability to use the desktop wallpaper.[33]

Enhanced synchronization settings, including those for app tile arrangement, tile sizes, and background.[34]

In a multi-monitor configuration, Windows 8.1 can optionally display the Start screen only on the primarily display monitor instead of the currently active monitor when the ⊞ Win key is pressed.[29]

By default, Windows 8.1 no longer displays recently installed apps and their related entries on the Start screen; users must manually pin these items.[35]

Windows 8.1 introduces options to categorize apps listed within the "All Apps" section of the Start screen. Apps can be categorized by their name, the date they were installed, their frequency of use, or based on their categories.[36][37] When sorted by category, desktop applications can optionally be prioritized within the interface.[29] Windows 8.1 Update allows additional app tiles to be displayed within the "All Apps" section of the Start screen.[38] Windows 8.1 Update also enables semantic zoom upon clicking or tapping the title of an app category.[39]

The ability to highlight recently installed apps has been enhanced in Windows 8.1 Update, which now displays the total number of recently installed apps within the lower-left corner of the Start screen in addition to highlighting.[40] In contrast, the Start menu interface included in previous versions of Windows only highlighted apps.

Windows 8.1 reverts two changes that were featured in Windows 8. Windows 8 removed the Start button on the taskbar in favor of other ways of invoking the Start screen. Windows 8.1 restores this button.[41][42] Windows 8 also showed the Start screen upon logon, as opposed to other editions of Windows that show the desktop. In Windows 8.1, user may now choose which one to see first.[41] Windows 8.1 Update boots to the desktop by default on non-tablet devices[39] and introduces the ability to switch to the taskbar from the Start screen or from an open Metro-style app by directing the mouse cursor toward the bottom of the screen.[40]

Windows 8.1 introduces a new "slide to shutdown" option which allows users to drag their partially revealed lock screen image toward the bottom of the screen to shut down the operating system.[43] Windows 8.1 Update introduces a visible power button on the Start screen.[44] This power button does not appear on all hardware device types.[45] By default, new account profiles in Windows 8.1 Update also receive four additional tiles pinned to the Start screen: This PC, PC Settings, Documents, and Pictures. In Windows RT, only the PC Settings tile is added.[39]

In Windows 8, searching from the Start screen or clicking on the Search charm will display search results within a full-screen interface. Unlike previous versions of Windows where searching from the Start menu returned results from multiple sources simultaneously, Windows 8 searches through individual categories: apps, settings, and files.[46] By default, Windows 8 searches for apps after a user begins searching from the Start screen or Search charm, but can also search other categories from the user interface or via keyboard shortcuts.[46] Pressing ⊞ Win+Q opens the Search charm to search for apps, ⊞ Win+F searches for files, and ⊞ Win+W searches for settings.[20] Search queries can also be redirected between specific categories or apps after being entered. When searching for apps, Windows 8 will display a list of apps that support the Search charm; frequently used apps will be prioritized and users can pin individual apps so that they always appear. The Search charm can also search directly within apps if a user redirects an entered search query to a specific app or presses ⊞ Win+Q from within an app that is already open.[47][48] When searching for files, Windows 8 will highlight words or phrases that match a search query and provide suggestions based on the content and properties of files that appear. Information about the files themselves, such as associated programs and sizes, appear directly beneath filenames. If a user hovers over a file with the mouse cursor a tooltip will appear and display additional information.[46]

In Windows 8.1, searching no longer opens a full-screen interface; results are instead displayed in a Metro-style flyout interface. Windows 8.1 also reinstates unified local search results, and can optionally provide results from Bing. Dubbed "Smart Search," Windows 8.1 and Bing can optionally analyze a user's search habits to return relevant content that is stored locally and from the Internet.[49][50] When enabled, Smart Search exposes additional search categories within the user interface: web images and web videos,[50] and can be accessed via a new keyboard shortcut, ⊞ Win+S.[51] A new full screen "hero" interface powered by Bing can display aggregated multimedia (such as photos, YouTube videos, songs/albums on Xbox Music) and other content (such as news articles and Wikipedia entries) related to a search query.[19][52] Like its predecessor, Windows 8.1 allows users to search through setting and file categories, but the option to search through a category for apps is removed from the interface; the keyboard shortcut previously associated with this functionality, ⊞ Win+Q, now displays unified search results. The Search charm also can no longer search from within apps directly or display a list of compatible apps. To search for content within apps, users must first open an app and, if available, use a search feature from within that app's interface.[50]

Windows 8.1 Update enhances the Bing Smart Search feature by providing support for natural language queries, which can detect mispellings and display apps or settings relevant to a query. For example, typing "get apps for Windows" will display a shortcut to the Windows Store.[23][53] Windows 8.1 Update also introduces a visible search button on the Start screen that acts as a shortcut to the Metro-style flyout interface.[39]

Windows 8 introduces a redesigned lock screen interface based on the Metro design language. The lock screen displays a customizable background image, the current date and time, notifications from apps, and detailed app status or updates.[54] Two new login methods optimized for touch screens are also available, including a four-digit PIN, or a "picture password," which users allow the use of certain gestures performed on a selected picture to login.[55] These gestures will take into account the shape, the start and end points, as well as the direction. However, the shapes and gestures are limited to tapping and tracing a line or circle. Microsoft found that limiting the gestures improved the speed of sign-ins by three times compared to allowing freeform methods.[55] Wrong gestures will always deny a login, and it will lock out the PC after five unsuccessful attempts, until a text password is provided.[55][56]

Windows 8.1 introduces the ability to display a photo slide show on the lock screen.[57][58] The feature can display images from local or remote directories, and includes additional options to use photos optimized for the current screen resolution, to disable the slide show while the device is running on battery power, and to display the lock screen slide show instead of turning off the screen after a period of user inactivity.[57] The lock screen can also display interactive toast notifications. As examples, users can answer calls or instant messages received from Skype contacts,[59] or dismiss alarm notifications from the lock screen.[60] Users can also take photos without dismissing the lock screen.[61]

Windows 8 includes improved support for multi-monitor configurations; the taskbar can now optionally be shown on multiple displays, and each display can also show its own dedicated taskbar. In addition, options are available which can prevent taskbar buttons from appearing on certain monitors. Wallpapers can also be spanned across multiple displays, or each display can have its own separate wallpaper.[65]

Windows 8.1 includes improved support for high-resolution monitors.[66] A desktop scaling feature now helps resize the items on the desktop to solve the visibility problems on tiny screens with a very high native resolution.[67] Windows 8.1 also introduces per-display DPI scaling, and provides an option to scale to 200%.[68]

Windows Explorer, which has been renamed File Explorer, now incorporates a ribbon toolbar, designed to bring forward the most commonly used commands for easy access. The "Up" button (which advances the user back a level in the folder hierarchy) that was removed from Explorer after Windows XP has also been restored.[69] Additionally, File Explorer features a redesigned preview pane that takes advantage of widescreen layouts.[69] File Explorer also provides a built-in function for mounting ISO, IMG, and VHD files as virtual drives.[70] For easier management of files and folders, Windows 8 introduces the ability to move selected files or folders via drag and drop from a parent folder into a subfolder listed within the breadcrumb hierarchy of the address bar in File Explorer.[71]

Progress windows for file operations have also been redesigned; offering the ability to show multiple operations at once, a graph for tracking transfer speeds, and the ability to pause and resume a file transfer.[72] A new interface has also been introduced for managing file name collisions in a file operation, allowing users to easily control which conflicting files are copied.[73]

Libraries, introduced in Windows 7, can now have their individual icons changed through the user interface.[74] Previously, users had to change icons manually by editing configuration files.[75] Windows 8.1, however, no longer creates any default libraries for new users, and does not display the Libraries listing in File Explorer by default.[76] Instead, Windows 8.1 introduces shortcuts to the default user profile folders (Documents, Downloads, Pictures, etc) within the This PC location of File Explorer.[77]

Windows 8 ships with Internet Explorer 10, which can run as either a desktop program (where it operates similarly to Internet Explorer 9), or as an app with a new full-screen interface optimized for use on touchscreens. Internet Explorer 10 also contains an integrated version of Flash Player, which will be available in full on the desktop, and in a limited form within the "Metro" app.[78]

Windows 8.1 ships with Internet Explorer 11[6][26] which includes tab syncing, WebGL and SPDY support, along with expanded developer tools. The Metro version also adds access to favorites and split-screen snapping of multiple tabs;[6][79][80][81] an additional option to always display the address bar and tabs is also available.[82] The Metro version can also detect and highlight phone numbers on a web page and turn them into clickable links that, when clicked, initiate a call with a compatible app such as Skype.[83]

The new task manager in Windows 8 offers a detailed look at how system resources are being used.

Windows 8 includes an overhauled version of Task Manager, which features the following changes:[84]

Task Manager defaults to a simple view which only displays a list of computer programs with a window. The expanded view is an updated version of the previous Task Managers with several tabs.

Resource utilization in the Processes tab is shown using a heat map, with darker shades of yellow representing heavier use.

The Performance tab is split into CPU, memory, disk, Ethernet, and wireless network (if applicable) sections. There are overall graphs for each, and clicking on one reaches details for that particular resource

The CPU tab no longer displays individual graphs for every logical processor on the system by default. It may show data for each NUMA node.

The CPU tab displays simple percentages on heat-mapping tiles to display utilization for systems with many (64 or more, up to 640) logical processors.[85] The color used for these heat maps is blue, with darker color again indicating heavier utilization

Hovering the cursor over any logical processor's graph shows the NUMA node of that processor and its ID.

The new Startup tab lists startup programs and their impact on boot time. Windows Vista included a feature to manage startup applications that was removed in Windows 7.[86]

The Processes tab now lists application names, application status, and overall usage data for CPU, memory, hard disk, and network resources for each process. A new option to restart File Explorer upon its selection is provided.

Task manager recognizes when a Windows Runtime application is in "Suspended" status.

The normal process information found in the older Task Manager can be found in the Details tab.

Windows 8 introduces a revised virtual (also known as on-screen) keyboard interface optimized for touchscreen devices that includes wider spacing between keys and is designed to prevent common typing errors that occur while using touchscreens.[87] Pressing and holding down a key reveals related keys which can be accessed via a press or swipe,[87] and suggestions for incomplete words are available.[88]Emoji characters are also supported.[87] Windows 8.1 introduces the ability to swipe the space bar in the desired direction of a suggested word to switch between on-screen suggestions.[88]

Windows 8.1 Update introduces a new gesture that allows users to tap twice and hold the second tap to drag and drop highlighted text or objects.[39] A visible option to hide or show the virtual keyboard is also available.

Windows 8 displays a "peek" button for password text boxes which can optionally allows users to view passwords as they are entered in order to ensure that they are typed correctly.[89] The feature can be disabled via Group Policy.

File History is a continuous data protection component. File History automatically creates incremental backups of files stored in Libraries, including those for users participating in a HomeGroup, and user-specified folders to a different storage device (such as another internal or external hard drive, Storage Space, or network share). Specific revisions of files can then be tracked and restored using the "History" functions in File Explorer. File History replaces both Backup and Restore and Shadow Copy (known in Windows Explorer as "Previous Versions") as the main backup tool of Windows 8.[90] Unlike Shadow Copy, which performs block-level tracking of files, File History utilizes the USN Journal to track changes, and simply copies revisions of files to the backup location.[91] Unlike Backup and Restore, File History cannot back up files encrypted with EFS.[92]

Windows 8 adds native support for USB 3.0, which allows for faster data transfers and improved power management with compatible devices.[93][94] This native stack includes support for the newer, more efficient USB Attached SCSI (UAS) protocol,[95][96] which is turned on by default even for USB 2.0 devices,[97] although these must however have supporting firmware/hardware to take advantage of it. Windows 8.1 enhanced support for power saving features of USB storage devices, but this addition was not without problems, with some poorly implemented hardware degrading user experience by hangs and disconnects.[98]

A port of Windows for the ARM architecture was also created for Windows 8. Known as Windows RT, it is specifically optimized for mobile devices such as tablets. Windows RT will only be able to run third-party Windows Store apps, but comes with a preinstalled version of Office 2013 specially redesigned for touchscreen use.[100]

Alongside the existing WinPE-based Windows Setup (which is used for installations that are initiated by booting from DVD, USB, or network), Upgrade Assistant is offered to provide a simpler and faster process for upgrading to Windows 8 from previous versions of Windows. The program runs a compatibility check to scan the device's hardware and software for Windows 8 compatibility, and then allows the user to purchase, download, generate installation media with a DVD or USB flash drive and install Windows 8. The new installation process also allows users to transfer user data into a clean installation of Windows.[102][103][103] A similar program, branded as Windows 8 Setup, is used for installations where the user already has a product key.[104]

Windows 8 implements OEM Activation 3.0, which allows Microsoft to digitally distribute Windows licenses to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Windows 8 devices store product keys directly in firmware rather than printed on a Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) sticker. This new system is designed to prevent OEM product keys from being used on computers they are not licensed for, and also allows the installer to automatically detect and accept the product key in the event of re-installation.[105][106]

Windows 8.1 Update adds a new installation mode known as "WIMBoot", where the WIM image that contains the Windows installation is left compressed rather than being extracted, and the system is configured to use files directly from within the system image. This installation method was primarily designed to reduce the footprint of the Windows installation on devices with small amounts of storage. The system image also doubles as the recovery image, speeding up Refresh and Reset operations.[107] It is only supported in systems with a Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), where Windows is located on a solid-state drive or eMMC.[108]

Windows 8 incorporates improved support for mobile broadband as a "first-class" method of internet connectivity. Upon the insertion of a SIM card, the operating system will automatically determine the user's carrier and configure relevant connection settings using an Access Point Name database. The operating system can also monitor mobile data usage, and changes its behavior accordingly to reduce bandwidth use on metered networks. Carriers can also offer their own dedicated Windows Store apps for account management, which can also be installed automatically as a part of the connection process. This functionality was demonstrated with an AT&T app, which could also display monthly data usage statistics on its live tile. Windows 8 also reduces the need for third-party drivers and software to implement mobile broadband by providing a generic driver, and by providing an integrated airplane mode option.[109]

The default Windows 8 boot screen; OEMs can replace the Windows logo above the throbber with their own logo in firmware.

Windows 8 defaults to a "hybrid boot" mode; when the operating system is shut down, it hibernates the kernel, allowing for a faster boot on the subsequent startup.[114] These improvements are further compounded by using all processor cores during startup by default.[115] To create a more seamless transition between the Power-on self-test and Windows startup process, manufacturers' logos can now be shown on the Windows boot screen on compatible systems with UEFI.[116]

The Advanced Startup menu now uses a graphical interface with mouse and touch support in place of the text-based menu used by previous versions. As the increased boot speed of devices with UEFI can make it difficult to access it using keyboard shortcuts during boot, the menu can now be launched from within Windows—using either the PC Settings app, holding down Shift while clicking the Restart option in the Power menu, or by using the new "-o" switch on shutdown.exe.[116][117] though the legacy version of the Advanced Startup menu can still be enabled instead.[118]

Windows 8 also provides a platform that can be used to distribute and install UEFI firmware updates in a means identical to updating other device drivers on a system. A system's firmware can be exposed to Windows using a class driver, and updated firmware images can be distributed in a signed package with an INF file and security catalog. When the "driver" is installed, Windows prepares the update to be installed on the next boot, with the process itself queued by the Windows Boot Manager; the firmware update process occurs on a screen similar to the standard boot, but with a special status message displayed underneath the manufacturer's logo.[119]

Windows PowerShell is Microsoft's task automation framework, consisting of a command-line shell and associated scripting language built on .NET Framework. PowerShell provides full access to COM and WMI, enabling administrators to perform administrative tasks on both local and remote Windows systems. Windows 8 includes Windows PowerShell v3.0.[127] Windows 8.1 comes with Windows PowerShell v4.0 which features a host of new commands for managing the Start screen, Windows Defender, Windows components, hardware and network.[128]

Windows To Go is a feature exclusive to the Enterprise version of Windows 8 which allows an organization to provision bootable USB flash drives with a Windows installation on them, allowing users to access their managed environment on any compatible PC.[129][130][131][132] Windows 8.1 updates this feature to enable booting from a USB composite device with a storage and a smart card function.[133]

The Action Center introduced in Windows 7 is expanded to include controls and notifications for new categories, such as SmartScreen status, drive health status, File History, device software updates, and the new Automatic Maintenance feature, which can periodically perform a number of maintenance tasks, such as diagnostics, updates, and malware scans to improve system performance.[134]

Windows 8 can now detect when a system is experiencing issues that have been preventing the system from functioning correctly, and automatically launch the Advanced Startup menu to access diagnostic and repair functions.[117]

For system recovery, "Refresh" and "Reset" options (known internally as "Push-button reset")[108] have been added, which allow a user to re-install Windows without needing to use installation media; both of these options reboot the system into the Windows Recovery Environment to perform the requested operation. Refresh preserves user profiles, settings, and Windows Store apps, while Reset performs a clean installation of Windows. The reset function may also perform specialized disk wiping and formatting procedures for added security. Both operations will remove all installed desktop applications from the system. Users can also create a custom disk image for use with Refresh and Reset.[135][136]

Windows 8.1 features pervasive support for biometric authentication throughout the operating system,[137] includes a native fingerprint registration feature,[138] and enables the use of a fingerprint for tasks such as signing into a device, purchasing apps from the Windows Store, and consenting to authentication prompts (e.g., User Account Control). Windows 8.1 also introduces new APIs for biometrics.[138][139]

On Windows RT, logging in with a Microsoft account automatically activates passive device encryption, a feature-limited version of BitLocker which seamlessly encrypts the contents of mobile devices to protect their contents. On Windows 8.1, device encryption is similarly available for x86-based Windows devices, automatically encrypting user data as soon as the operating system is configured. When a user signs in with a Microsoft account or on a supported Active Directory network, a recovery key is generated and saved directly to the user's account. Unlike BitLocker, device encryption on x86-based devices requires that the device meet the Connected Standby specifications (which among other requirements, requires that the device use solid state storage and have RAM soldered directly to the motherboard) and have a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip.[140][141]

Windows 8 integrates Windows Live Family Safety into the operating system, allowing parents to restrict user activity via web filtering, application restriction, and computer usage time limits.[145][146][147]Parental controls functionality, introduced in Windows Vista, was previously partially removed in Windows 7 and made a part of Windows Live Family Safety instead.[148] A notable change in Family Safety is that administrators can now specify time periods for computer usage. For example, an administrator can restrict a user account so that it can only remained signed in for a total time period of one hour. In previous versions of Windows, administrators could only restrict accounts based on the time of day.[149]

Windows 8 introduced four new features to offer security during the startup process: UEFI secure boot, Trusted Boot, Measured Boot and Early Launch Anti-Malware (ELAM).[150]

Of the four, secure boot is not a native feature of Windows 8; it is part of UEFI. It uses a public-key infrastructure process and a private key supplied by the operating system vendor to verify the integrity boot loaders, preventing malware from infecting the system before the operating system loads.[151] Prior to Windows 8 release, Microsoft announced that certified computers had to ship with a Microsoft private key in their UEFI databases and with secure boot enabled. However, following the announcement, the company was accused by critics and free and open-source software advocates (including the Free Software Foundation) of trying to use the secure boot to hinder or outright prevent the installation of alternative operating systems such as Linux. Microsoft denied that the secure boot requirement was intended to serve as a form of lock-in, and clarified that x86 certified systems (but not ARM systems) must allow secure boot to enter custom mode or be disabled.[152][153] Windows 8.1 displays a watermark on desktop if secure boot is present but disabled. However, an update was later released to remove the watermark.[154][155]

Trusted Boot is a feature of Windows boot loader and ensures the integrity of all Microsoft components loaded into memory, including ELAM, which loads last. ELAM ensures that all third-party boot drivers are trustworthy; they are not loaded if ELAM check fails. ELAM can use either Windows Defender or a third-party compatible antivirus.[150] During the 2011 Build conference in Anaheim, California, Microsoft showed a Windows 8 machine that can prevent an infected USB flash memory from compromising the boot process.[156][157]

Measured Boot can attest to the state of a client machine by sending details about its configuration to a remote machine. The feature relies on the attestation feature of the Trusted Platform Module and is designed to verify the boot integrity of the client.[158]

⊞ Win+⇧ Shift+. Snaps an open Metro-style app to the left side of the screen.

⊞ Win+. Snaps an open Metro-style app to the right side of the screen.

⊞ Win+Print screen Takes a screenshot of the entire screen and saves it to a Screenshots folder within the Pictures directory.[161] On a tablet, this feature can be accessed by simultaneously pressing a button with the Windows logo and a button that lowers the volume of the device.

A storage space behaves like a physical disk to the user, with thin provisioning of available disk space. The spaces are organized within a storage pool, i.e. a collection of physical disks, that can span multiple disks of different sizes, performance or technology (USB, SATA, SAS). The process of adding new disks or replacing failed or older disks is fully automatic, but can be controlled with PowerShell commands. The same storage pool can host multiple storage spaces. Storage Spaces have built-in resiliency from disk failures, which is achieved by either disk mirroring or striping with parity across the physical disks. Each storage pool on the ReFS filesystem is limited to 4 PB (4096 TB), but there are no limits on the total number of storage pools or the number of storage spaces within a pool.[165]

A review in Ars Technica concluded that "Storage Spaces in Windows 8 is a good foundation, but its current iteration is simply too flawed to recommend in most circumstances."[166]Microsoft MVP Helge Klein also criticized Storage Spaces as unsuitable for its touted market of SOHO users.[167]

Storage Spaces was further enhanced in Windows Server 2012 R2 with tiering and caching support,[168] which can be used for caching to SSD;[169] these new features were not added to Windows 8.1. Instead Windows 8.1 gained support for specific features of SSHD drives, e.g. for host-hinted LBA caching (TP_042v14_SATA31_Hybrid Information).[170]

Windows 8.1 also gained support for NVM Express (NVMe), a new industry standard protocol for PCIe-attached storage, such as PCIe flash cards.[170][171]

^Thurrott, Paul (10 June 2013). "Are Libraries Going Away in Windows 8.1?". Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows. Penton Media. Retrieved 10 June 2013. Apparently, libraries will still be a capability of Windows 8/RT with the 8.1 update but the default libraries are no longer created when you set up a new user. You can still create custom libraries if you'd like.